*Delivery notice to Bidders - Vendor is available to assist with shipping of the vehicle to Rotterdam or Zeebrugge at a cost of €500+VAT. Other delivery locations are available upon request.

**Please note, this vehicle is located and registered in the Republic of Ireland. As such, eventual re-registration in another EU Member State should be a straight-forward and relatively inexpensive process

Highlights

Extensively restored to an exacting standard over many years
Thousands spent to bring it to ''as new'' condition
Beautiful black paint with chrome trim
Expertly retrimmed interior

The Appeal

In the 1950s Mercedes-Benz were at the top of their game, producing some of the most desirable motorcars the world has ever seen. Among their beautifully styled creations is the 190 SL, with its purposeful poise and elegant road presence looking just as sublime today as the day it was first built.

This particular 190 has undergone extensive restoration over a period of many years by marque specialist T&D Heaney of Derry at a total cost of around €136,000. The result of this unrushed work is clear to see, in the standard of craftsmanship evident.

The body panels are very well presented, finished in smart black paint. The interior has been expertly retrimmed and the underside is supremely tidy. In fact, we’ve been struggling to find fault with this car at all.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in 1958
Registered in Ireland in October 1997
Previously registered in the USA, with a copy of the Illinois title document on file
Imported to Ireland in the late 1990s as a restoration project
2016 vehicle restoration report
Once completed the car sat in a static collection for eight years and the vendor has recently undertaken recommissioning work where necessary
Irish registration documentation present
Extensive invoices on file for parts and servicing
Just over twenty miles have been covered since it was recommissioned

The Interior

Superbly finished leather upholstery
Chrome fittings throughout
All the fabrics and leathers look tidy and fresh

Bedecked in rather wonderful leather, the interior of this 190 SL is a warmly cosseting place to be, with its well padded and supportive seating, brightly polished chrome trim and of course that rakish white steering wheel.

The interior was replaced using factory correct materials. A new soft top and headlining was fitted along with a leather tonneau cover.

The upholstery is beautifully presented, exhibiting the kind of craftsmanship we all love to see. The stitching is expertly executed and we can’t make out any areas of damage or wear. Likewise, the carpets are well fitted, nicely trimmed and clean and tidy. And additional luggage storage space is provided behind the seats.

The dashboard is well stocked yet does not appear cluttered. It features all the gauges you could wish for, all with bold, clear markings, as well as beautifully tactile pull switches and sliding heater controls. We understand that everything works with the exception of the temperature gauge. The leather dashboard top looks to be in very good condition, with no signs of UV damage.

To the rear, a spacious boot is fully carpeted to match the cabin and all looks to be in excellent condition. There is a full size spare wheel clamped to one side, which wears a seemingly unused tyre.

The Exterior

Gracefully proportioned styling
Superb black paintwork complements the highly polished chrome trim
The underside is astonishingly clean

It’s difficult to write this section of the auction listing without getting distracted by the sheer beauty of the 190 SL. It is a car designed to be stared at, so you’re not going to be passing under the radar in this sleek motorcar.

During the restoration, the 190 was stripped to a bare monocoque which was then sent away to specialists in Germany for repair. It was painstakingly rebuilt on its return with new panels and new chromework.

The bodywork all looks superbly well finished, with smart shut lines and panel gaps, and no obvious signs of damage or wear. Similarly, the paint is excellent, with a deep glossy shine and wonderful black colour.

There are, of course, a few signs of use, but nothing that we’d call anything more than normal wear, and it certainly doesn’t detract from the car’s incomparable road presence.

Highly polished chrome plating adorns the exterior trim from the bumpers to the headlamp bezels and the front grille surround. It all looks to be very well presented, with only a little light pitting evident in a few places. The black mohair hood is extremely clean and tidy, with no evidence of wear or damage, and its rear window remains beautifully transparent. It sits upon a new set of Michelin X Whitewall tyres.

The Mechanics

1,897cc four-cylinder engine
Four-speed transmission
Beautifully presented suspension and running gear

The low bonnet line of this Mercedes belies the fact that it is more than capable as a sports car. The 1,897cc four-cylinder engine concealed below is a capable unit, which produces 104hp, fed by two Weber carburettors and a single overhead camshaft. Power is sent rearwards via a four-speed transmission and it handles itself very well. The vendor points out that electronic ignition has now been installed too which aids smooth, reliable running.

Coil-sprung suspension with double wishbones at the front keeps the car planted on the road, and braking is handled by drums all round. Looking underneath the car, the suspension and running gear components that we could see are all very well presented, inspiring confidence in the car’s general condition. There are plenty of fresh looking rubber bushes, nuts and washers to attest to the fact that considerable restoration and refurbishment has taken place. The vendor points out that a few components under the bonnet show their age a little since the restoration was completed some time ago.

The accompanying photographs set out the long list of new parts which have been purchased for this Mercedes over the years, and some of the restoration costs involved. One document states that £78,303.17 was spent with the Heaney Motor Co. between 1999 and 2015.

Summary

Overall, this Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a truly stunning car. The deep, gloss black paint suits it perfectly and the contrasting glints of chrome plating add a touch of flair, if it was needed. We particularly enjoy the smart leather interior and the clearly very well presented underside of the car.

So if you’re looking to enjoy the result of many years of restoration and significant expenditure, this Mercedes would look like the perfect choice.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Delivery notice to Bidders - Vendor is available to assist with shipping of the vehicle to Rotterdam or Zeebrugge at a cost of €500+VAT. Other delivery locations are available upon request. **Please note, this vehicle is located and registered in Republic of Ireland. As such, eventual re-registration in another EU Member State should be a straight-forward and relatively inexpensive process